ASSOCIATED PRESS / 2009
Brandon Hardin played cornerback for Oregon State, but likely will move to safety.
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Apparently, the Chicago Bears like Oregon State defensive backs with Hawaii ties.
In 2009, they drafted Kahuku graduate Al Afalava in the sixth round (he’s now on the Tennessee Titans roster). On Friday, the Bears went for a Corvallis-based island transplant again, taking Kamehameha graduate Brandon Hardin in the third round with the 79th pick overall.
Hardin is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound athlete who played corner for the Beavers but projects as a free safety in the NFL.
"My family and I thought it would be tomorrow," he said. "My agent (Kenny Zuckerman) said it could be third round, but if it’s not, don’t stress out over it."
Due to a broken shoulder, Hardin did not play in his senior season, except for the East-West Shrine all-star game, and was not invited to the NFL Combine. But he impressed scouts at Oregon State’s pro day in March, and 12 NFL teams had him in for private workouts before the draft.
"Right now, I’m going in as a defensive back," he said, "and they will determine whether I fit in better as a cornerback or safety."
He reports to rookie camp on May 10.
Hardin’s Kamehameha classmate, University of Hawaii defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga, might be picked as the draft concludes today with rounds four through seven.